User Reviews

Strengths: Looks great and performs well. Adjust quickly and can be used as a load stabalizer for other items (intended use modified for bikes - see Save-A-Load website)

Weaknesses: Pump may fail after a few years of heavy use.

Bottom Line:

I really like this product and it worked great for two years. After a long trip I noticed the hydraulic pump was beginning to fail. I sent an email to th manufacturer, saveaload, who promptly called me that same day. They sent a new pump to replace the old one, free of charge. The replacement arrived 2 days later and was simple to install. I have since used the rack many times over. The rack is about 4 years old and still going strong. I highly recommend this product, a lock is available, btw.

Weaknesses: Hydrolic pump seems to lose pressure when temperature slightly drops. I'll sometimes go to my truck in the morning after a slightly cold night, and the rack would have completely fallen. Not sure if this is common or if I need to replace (and by the way....mine has a lifetime warrantly...not sure why other reviews says no warranty)

Bottom Line:

Overall I think a good product as long as you dont plan to leave bikes overnight in the back of your truck. Hydrolic pump losing pressure could just be a fluke remedied by getting a new rack via warranty....I was extremely close to returning the rack and getting a different kind....but thought I would stick it out a little longer to see how it works out for me.

Strengths: Tight fit/aluminum makes for no rusty/can place below the bed rails.

Weaknesses: No locking mechanism makes it easy to swip. After time, water links in and gets into the hydraulic in which makes the rack useless. Not made by Saris, only sold by them/NO warrenty. Actual manufactures are almost near impossible to get a hold of and they are no help at all.

Bottom Line:

Overall, this product did not live up to my expectations. Started out awesome, but went to crap after a few years. For the money, thought it would last longer. Should make better seals for it, so water does not get in.

Similar Products Used: After paying 145$ for a rack I thought would last a longtime, but didn't. I paid 59$ for a XPORT rack that is made of steal and is actually easier to take out and put back in easier than the Kool rack. It also has a locking mechanism that uses a key to unlock, so no worries about it being stolen. It is so easy to use, that I take it in and out when I bring by bike in, so rusting is limited.

Overall Rating:

Value Rating:

Submitted by
Rich
from Frederick, MD

Date Reviewed: July 1, 2003

Strengths: Very quick setup and removal. Versatile, adjusts to about any size you need and can be mounted just about anywhere in the bed. Also good for securing cargo.

Weaknesses: Does not come with a locking mechanism for the rack and the lock kit (sold separately) is fairly expensive for what you you get.

Bottom Line:

This is a great product for anyone who has a truck. The hydraulic pump makes this rack highly adjustable and very secure. The high friction foot pads hold fast to both sheet metal and bedliner surfaces. To protect your vehicle, the pump also has a pressure sensitive valve. One really nice feature is that you can stagger the fork mounts to keep the handle bars from interfering with each other when hauling multiple bikes. Overall, this a excellent product.